Flight Booking & Visa:
Why You Absolutely Must Wait
The internship offer is confirmed, sponsorship is underway – anticipation for the USA or the UK is rising by the minute. Many applicants make the mistake of booking flights immediately to secure cheap prices. However, we urgently advise you: Do not book any travel until you physically hold your visa in your hands. Find out here why following this advice can save you over a thousand dollars.
The Golden Rule of Consulates
Both the US Department of State and the British Home Office issue a clear recommendation: Travel arrangements should only be made after the final issuance of the visa. A visa application is not an automatic process. Even if all documents are perfectly prepared, the consulate remains the final authority. Booking a flight has no influence on processing speed and is not accepted by officers as a reason to expedite the process.
Why Delays Can Happen
Even though we manage your sponsorship professionally, there are factors beyond our control that can delay the receipt of your visa:
- Administrative Processing: Occasionally, authorities need additional time for background checks.
- Shipping Times: Your passport with the visa sticker must be securely delivered via courier. Delays can occur here.
- Holidays & Workload: Seasonal peaks at the consulate can extend processing times in the UK or the USA.
Plan a buffer of at least two weeks between the expected receipt of your visa and your planned departure. This keeps you relaxed, even if the courier takes a day longer.
Safe Travel Planning for J-1 and GAE
We know flight prices can rise. If you still wish to book early, we recommend exclusively booking **flexible fares** that allow for free rebooking or cancellation. The extra cost for a flex ticket is usually much lower than the total loss of a cheap but rigid ticket if your visa arrives just two days after your planned departure.
